Spinal implant

ABSTRACT

A spinal implant may be made of two or more implant members. In an embodiment, implant members may be joined together by a rotational connection that inhibits separation of the members as well as axial movement of the members relative to each other. Implant members may be coupled together by a pin or pins, adhesive, or other fasteners to inhibit separation and/or rotation of the members relative to each other.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/291,245, filed Nov. 8, 2002, now abandoned which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/338,321 entitled “Spinal Implant”,filed Nov. 9, 2001 the above-referenced non-provisional application andprovisional application are incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to the field of bone implantsand more particularly to spinal implants. Spinal implant embodiments maystabilize and/or fuse together vertebrae. Some spinal implantembodiments may be inserted during a posterior lumbar interbody fusionprocedure.

2. Description of Related Art

An intervertebral disc may degenerate. Degeneration may be caused bytrauma, disease, and/or aging. An intervertebral disc that becomesdegenerated may have to be partially or fully removed from a spinalcolumn. Partial or full removal of an intervertebral disc maydestabilize the spinal column. Destabilization of a spinal column mayresult in alteration of a natural separation distance between adjacentvertebrae. Maintaining the natural separation between vertebrae mayprevent pressure from being applied to nerves that pass betweenvertebral bodies. Excessive pressure applied to the nerves may causepain and/or nerve damage. During a spinal fixation procedure, a spinalimplant may be inserted within a space created by the removal or partialremoval of an intervertebral disc between adjacent vertebrae. The spinalimplant may maintain the height of the spine and restore stability tothe spine. Bone growth may fuse the implant to adjacent vertebrae.

A spinal implant may be inserted during a spinal fixation procedureusing an anterior, lateral, or posterior spinal approach. A discectomymay be performed to remove or partially remove a defective or damagedintervertebral disc. The discectomy creates a disc space for a spinalimplant. The amount of removed disc material may correspond to the sizeand type of spinal implant to be inserted.

Spinal surgery may be complex due in part to the proximity of the spinalcord and/or the cauda equina. Preparation instruments and spinalimplants may need to be carefully inserted to avoid damage to nervetissue. Alignment and spacing of a spinal implant that is to be insertedinto a patient may be determined before surgery. Achieving thepredetermined alignment and spacing during surgery may be important toachieve optimal fusion of adjacent vertebrae.

Bone graft and/or bone implants may be used to promote bone growth thatwill fuse vertebrae together. Bone graft may be autogenic bone,allogenic bone, synthetic material, xenogenic bone or combinationsthereof. Autogenic bone is bone obtained from another location of apatient. Allogenic bone is bone derived from the same species as thepatient. Xenogenic bone is bone derived from a species other than thatof the patient. Implants may be formed of metal, polymers, ceramics,autogenic bone, allogenic bone, xenogenic bone, or combinations thereof

U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,084 to Grivas et al., which is incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein, describes diaphysial corticalbone dowels. The dowels are obtained from transverse plugs across thediaphysis of long, bones. The natural intramedullary canal of the sourcebone may form a cavity through the dowel perpendicular to the length ofthe dowel.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,538 to Yaccarino, III, which is incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein, describes a composite allograftbone device. A first bone component is formed with a plurality ofgrooves. A second bone component is formed with a plurality ofprotrusions that mate with the grooves of the first bone component. Apin positioned at an oblique angle through the bone components joins thecomponents together to form the composite allograft bone device.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,143,033 to Paul et al., which is incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein, describes an allogenicintervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant is an annular plugthat conforms in size and shape to end plates of adjacent vertebrae. Topand bottom surfaces of the implant have teeth to resist expulsion and toprovide initial stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A spinal implant may be used to provide stability and promote fusion ofadjacent vertebrae. The implant may be used in conjunction with a spinalstabilization device such as a bone plate or rod-and-fastenerstabilization system. The implant may be formed of two or more piecesthat are attached together. The implant may establish a desiredseparation distance between vertebrae. The implant may promote bonegrowth between adjacent vertebrae that fuses the vertebrae together.

In some implant embodiments, the implants may be made of bone. In someembodiments, bone pieces that form the implant may include rotationaldovetails so that a dovetail joint is formed when the pieces areconnected together. The dovetail joint may inhibit separation of thebone pieces. The dovetail joint may inhibit lateral movement of the bonepieces relative to each other. A pin may be used to join the piecestogether to inhibit rotation of the pieces relative to each other.

In some implant embodiments, a first implant piece may include aprotrusion. A second implant piece may include a complementary groove.The pieces may be joined in an interlocking engagement to align thepieces and inhibit axial movement of the pieces relative to each other.A fastener may be placed into openings in the pieces to join the sopieces together and form the implant. The fastener may inhibit movementof the pieces relative to each other. The use of a protrusion on a firstimplant piece and a groove on a second implant piece may simplifymanufacturing procedures and time needed for forming spinal implants.Simplified manufacturing procedures may reduce manufacturing errors thatresult in loss of useable bone.

In some implant embodiments, implants may be formed of three or morepieces. Two pieces are outer pieces that have surfaces for contactingvertebrae during use. Other pieces are middle pieces that allow animplant of a desired height to be formed. Mating surfaces of two piecesthat are to be joined together may include a single protrusion and asingle groove. After the pieces are joined together and aligned, afastener may be placed into openings to join the pieces together andform the implant. In some implant embodiments, more than one fastenermay be used to join implant pieces together.

Openings in implant pieces for a fastener that joins implant piecestogether may be formed so that an axis of the opening is substantiallynormal to an interface between implant pieces (e.g., within about ±4° ofbeing at 90°). Using openings that are normal to the interface betweenimplant pieces may simplify formation of the openings and reduce useablebone loss due to fracturing of bone pieces caused by forming angulatedopenings.

In some implant embodiments, fasteners that join implant pieces togetherare dowels that are press fit into openings in the implant pieces. Inother embodiments, fasteners may be, but are not limited to, screws,snap-locks, or barbs. In some embodiments, implant pieces may be joinedtogether by adhesive and/or press fit connections.

In an implant embodiment, the implant includes channels along sides ofthe implant. An implant inserter may grasp the channels to allow forinsertion of the implant into a prepared disc space. The implantchannels provide a large surface area for contact between the implantand the implant inserter. The implant channels may be deep enough sothat outer surfaces of the implant inserter adjacent to the implant areslightly recessed relative to side surfaces of the implant when theimplant inserter holds the implant. The arrangement of the implantinserter relative to the implant allows for an opening between bonesthat are to be fused together by the implant to be formed to a widththat is substantially the same as the width of the implant.

Implants may be constructed of any biocompatible materials sufficientlystrong to maintain spinal distraction. Implants may be, but are notlimited to, allograft bone, xenograft bone, autograft bone, metals,ceramics, polymers, or combinations thereof. If the implant is not madeof bone, surfaces of the implant that contact bone may be treated topromote fusion of the implant to the bone. The treatment may be, but isnot limited to, applying a hydroxyapatite coating on contact surfaces,providing a titanium plasma spray on contact surfaces, or texturing thecontact surfaces by scoring, peening, implanting particles in thesurfaces, or otherwise roughening the surfaces.

In some embodiments, the implant may include an opening that extendsthrough a height of the implant. The opening may have a regular shape oran irregular shape. Bone graft may be placed in the opening. The bonegraft may be autogenic bone graft, allogenic bone graft, xenogenic bonegraft, and/or synthetic bone graft.

Some implant embodiments may be constructed from allogenic bone, such ascortical bone from a femur, tibia, or other large bone. In someembodiments, an implant may be formed from a single piece of allograftbone that is cut to a desired shape.

Desired dimensions of a bone implant may exceed the dimensions of animplant that may be formed using a single piece of available bone. Twoor more pieces of bone may be used to form an implant of a desiredlength, width, and height. Using pieces of bone may allow for efficientuse of available bone. Using pieces of bone may allow for formation ofan implant that has greater strength than an implant formed of a singlepiece of bone.

Bone pieces that are used to form an implant may be formed with joints.The joints may be male or female dovetail joints. The joints may berotational joints that connect with a mating joint when the pieces arerotated relative to each other. The joints may hold the pieces togetherand inhibit axial displacement of the pieces relative to each other. Afastener may couple the pieces together to inhibit axial and/orrotational movement of the pieces relative to each other.

In some embodiments, bone pieces that are joined together to form animplant are processed in a frozen state. Care may need to be takenduring thawing of the implant to ensure that a fastener or fasteners ofthe implant remain securely connected to the implant. In someembodiments, bone pieces that are joined together to form an implant areprocessed in a freeze-dried state. Using bone in a freeze-dried stateadvantageously allows all pieces of resulting implant to remain securelyconnected together when the implant is reconstituted before insertioninto a patient.

To form an implant from implant pieces, upper and lower surfaces ofindividual pieces may be machined to have desired maximum lengths,widths, and heights. Sides of the pieces may be machined so that theassembled implant will have side implant channels when assembled. Anappropriate joint may be formed in a surface of the implant piece thatwill mate with another implant piece. In some implant embodiments,openings are formed in the implant pieces. The openings may be formed sothat an axis of the opening is substantially normal to a surface of theimplant piece that will mate to another implant piece. The individualpieces are joined together. A fastener is used to join the piecestogether.

After the pieces are joined together, the implant may be machined toform teeth in surfaces of the implant that contact vertebrae. Also, theimplant may be machined so that an anterior height of the implant isdifferent than a posterior height of the implant. An implant withdifferent anterior and posterior heights may allow the implant toestablish a desired lordotic angle between adjacent vertebrae.

Instruments may be used to prepare a space for an implant. An instrumentmay be used to insert an implant in a prepared space. Instruments may besupplied to a surgeon or surgical team in an instrument set. Theinstrument set may also include one or more implants that can beinserted into a patient during an insertion procedure. Implant may beprovided in various sizes and with various lordotic angles so that theimplant or implants installed in the patient suit the needs of thepatient.

An instrumentation set may include distractors. In some embodiments, thedistractors may be fixed tip distractors. In some embodiments, thedistractors may be modular tip distractors. A shaft and a handle may beremoved from a modular tip distractor to leave only the modular tipdistractor in a disc space. Leaving only a modular tip distractor in adisc space may create more room for visualization and maneuverabilityduring an implant insertion procedure.

An instrumentation set may include a chisel. The chisel may form groovesin vertebral surfaces. The grooves may be sized to accept a portion ofan implant that is to fuse vertebrae together. The chisel maysimultaneously form channels in both vertebra during use.

An instrumentation set may include an implant inserter. The implantinserter may grasp side walls of an implant. Grasping side walls of theimplant may allow for removal of the implant inserter from the implantinserter without the application of significant rotational forces to theimplant. The implant inserter may have a low profile that allows forvisualization of the implant and surrounding area during insertion ofthe implant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art with the benefit of the following detaileddescription of embodiments and upon reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective representation of an embodiment of animplant.

FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of an embodiment of an implant member thatemphasizes a surface of the implant member having a male joint.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of animplant member that has a male joint taken substantially along line 3-3of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of animplant member that has a female joint.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an implant formed of three implantmembers.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of an implant that includes a passagethrough the implant.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a single-memberimplant.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional representation of a single-memberimplant.

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of an embodiment of an implant.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an embodiment of an implant.

FIG. 11 depicts a front view of an embodiment of an implant.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective exploded view of components of anembodiment of an implant formed of two implant members.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective exploded view of components of anembodiment of an implant formed of three implant members.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a fixed tipdistractor.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular tipdistractor.

FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular tip ofa modular tip distractor.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an end portion ofa shaft for a modular tip distractor when the shaft is in an unreleasedposition.

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an end portion ofa shaft for a modular tip distractor when the shaft is in a releasedposition.

FIG. 19 depicts a representation of an embodiment of a modular tipdistractor inserted in a disc space prior to distraction of vertebrae.

FIG. 20 depicts a representation of an embodiment of a modular tipdistractor inserted in a disc space after distraction of vertebrae.

FIG. 21 depicts a representation of an embodiment of a modular tipinserted in a disc space after removal of a shaft from the modular tip.

FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a chisel forpreparing bone for implant insertion.

FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a chisel forpreparing bone for implant insertion.

FIG. 24 depicts a front view of a portion of an embodiment of a chisel,including an inset view that shows a chisel blade relative to a chiselguide.

FIG. 25 depicts an embodiment of a slap hammer.

FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of an implant inserter.

FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of an implant inserter.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Thedrawings may not be to scale. It should be understood, however, that thedrawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit theinvention to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as definedby the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-13 show embodiments of implants 40 and portions of implants thatmay be used to promote bone fusion. Implants 40 may be spinal implants,such as, but not limited to, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)spinal implants. A spinal implant may establish a desired separationdistance between adjacent vertebrae. In some implant embodiments,implants have surfaces made of bone or bone growth promoting material(e.g., hydroxyapatite or titanium plasma spray) that promotes fusion ofthe implants to vertebrae. In some embodiments, implants may includeopenings. The openings may be packed with bone graft or other bonegrowth material that promotes bone growth from vertebrae into theimplant to fuse the implant to the vertebrae.

As depicted in FIG. 1, implant 40 may include members 42, fastener 44,side grooves 46, and serrations or ridges 48. An implant may include twoor more members 42. Members 42 may be joined together to form implant40. In some embodiments, members 42 may be joined together by arotational dovetail joint. The rotational dovetail joint may inhibitseparation and axial movement of members 42 relative to each other.Fastener 44 may be press fit into an opening that extends through firstmember 42′ and into an opening in second member 42″. In someembodiments, fastener 44 may inhibit rotation of first member 42′relative to second member 42″.

In some embodiments, a joint of the first member may allow the firstmember to fully rotate (i.e., through 360°) in a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction when coupled to a corresponding mating jointin the second member. In some embodiments, a range of motion and/or adirection of motion may be limited. For example, in an embodiment, ajoint of the first member can be rotated 45° in a clockwise directionwhen coupled to a corresponding mating joint of a second member. Surfacecontact between the first member and the second member inhibitsrotational movement beyond the 45° limit. Surface contact between thefirst member and the second member inhibits initial counterclockwiserotation of the first member relative to the second member. Otherembodiments may have different angular rotation limits (e.g., 30° or60°) or other angular direction limits. In some embodiments, a firstmember may rotate relative to the second member for only a limited rangeof angular rotation in either a clockwise or a counterclockwisedirection.

FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of an embodiment of member 42′ thatemphasizes a surface of the member that has male dovetail 50. Maledovetail 50 may include arced surfaces 52. Arced surfaces 52 may be,circular arcs that are concentric. FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional viewof an embodiment of member 42′ having male dovetail 50.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of member 42″ that has femaledovetail 54. Female dovetail 54 may include arced surfaces 56. Arcedsurfaces 56 may be circular arcs that have are concentric.

Male dovetail 50 of member 42′ (shown in FIG. 3) may be placed in femaledovetail 54 of member 42″ (shown in FIG. 4), with a long axis of member42′ oriented substantially perpendicular to a long axis of member 42″.Member 42′ may be rotated to a position substantially parallel to member42″. When members 42′, 42″ are properly oriented, openings 58 in themembers may align with each other. Fastener 44, depicted in FIGS. 1 and5, may be placed into openings 58 to inhibit further rotation of member42′ relative to member 42″. Openings 58 may be formed in members 42′,42″ before or after the members are joined together using femaledovetail 54 and male dovetail 50 of the members. In some embodiments, anopening in a member may be a blind opening (i.e., an opening that doesnot extend completely through the member).

In some embodiments, fastener 44 may be press fit into openings inmembers 42 to join the members together to form implant 40, as depictedin FIGS. 5 and 6. In other embodiments, the fastener may be another typeof fastener, including, but not limited to, a screw, a snap lockconnector, a barbed connector, and/or adhesive. The fastener may be madeof the same material as the implant members (e.g., bone). In otherembodiments, the fastener may be made of a different material than theimplant members. The fastener or a portion of the fastener may includematerial that promotes osseointegration of the fastener and the implantwith vertebrae. The fastener or a portion of the fastener may be made ofa material that is absorbable in the body of a patient. Afterabsorption, bone may grow in place of the bioabsorbable material tofacilitate fusion of the implant to bone of a patient.

In some embodiments, an implant may be formed of three or more members.FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of implant 40 formed of three members 42.In some embodiments, four, five, or more members may be joined togetherto form an implant. An implant formed from two or more members may havea larger height than an implant formed from a single piece of bone. Theability to form an implant from two or more members may allow for theformation of an implant of a desired height while maximizing the use ofavailable donor bone.

Rotational dovetail joints may connect members together. Male and femalejoints may be formed in pieces that form the implant. For example, in anembodiment of a three-member implant, male joints are formed in outermembers of the implant, and an interior member is formed with two femalejoints. In another embodiment of a three-member implant, an interiormember is formed with a male joint and a female joint, one of the outermembers has a male joint, and the other outer member has a female joint.In another embodiment of a three-member implant, female joints areformed in outer members, and an interior member is formed with two malejoints.

In some implant embodiments, an implant may have a passage or passagesfrom one side of the implant to an opposite side of the implant. FIG. 6depicts implant 40 that includes passage 60 through the implant. Passage60 may be formed in members 42 before or after the members are joinedtogether. Passage 60 may have any desired cross-sectional shape. Thepassage cross-sectional shape may be, but is not limited to, circular,oval, square, rectangular, or irregular. Bone growth material (e.g.,autogenic bone graft, allogenic bone graft, xenogenic bone graft, orsynthetic bone graft) may be placed in the passage or passages tofacilitate spinal fusion.

In some implant embodiments, bone may be used to form an implant.Portions of the bone used to form the implant may be cortical bone. Thecortical bone may provide strength to the implant. In some implantembodiments, the bone used to form an implant may be processed in afrozen state. In some implant embodiments, bone used to form an implantmay be processed in a freeze-dried state.

In some implant embodiments, the implant and/or outer surfaces of theimplant that contact a vertebra may be made of a material other thanbone. The surface that contacts the vertebra may be treated to enhanceosseointegration of the implant with the vertebra. The surface mayinclude protrusions that extend into the vertebra. The surface mayinclude a hydroxyapatite coating, a titanium plasma spray coating,and/or, texturing. Texturing may be used to modify the surface of animplant to reduce expulsion and provide stability. Texturing may beprovided by many different methods, such as, but not limited to, sandingthe surface, forming grooves within the surface, shot peening thesurface, scoring the surface using an electrical discharge process,and/or embedding hard particles within the surface. Texturing may alsobe formed in outer surfaces of implants formed of bone.

Implants may be constructed of biocompatible material sufficientlystrong to maintain bone separation. Implant members and/or fasteners maybe made of bone or of other material, such as metals, ceramics,polymers, or combinations thereof. Bone used to form an implant may beallogenic bone or xenogenic bone. In some embodiments, a portion orportions of an implant may be autogenic bone. In some embodiments, bone,or portions of bone, used to form an implant may be demineralized. Animplant, or a portion of an implant, may be made of a bioabsorbablematerial. For example, portions of an implant may be made of apolyanhydride, an alpha polyester, and/or a polylactic acid-polyglycolicacid copolymer.

In some embodiments, an implant may be a single-member implantconstructed from bar stock or formed from moldable material of suitablestrength to withstand pressure within a normal human spine. For example,a single-member implant may be constructed from metals including, butnot limited to, titanium, titanium alloys, and medical grade stainlesssteel. A single-member implant may be molded or cut from materialsincluding, but not limited to, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), carbonfiber reinforced PEEK, and other polymers.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of single-member implant 40. Implant 40 mayinclude indicia 62. Indicia 62 may identify size, shape, and/or,orientation of implant 40. Implant 40 may include one or more passages60 and/or one or more passages 64. In an embodiment, passage 64 may besubstantially perpendicular to passage 60. Passages 60, 64 may have anydesired cross-sectional shape. Cross-sectional shapes of passages 60, 64may be, but are not limited to, circular, oval, square, rectangular,and/or irregular. Bone growth material (e.g., autogenic bone graft,allogenic bone graft, xenogenic bone craft, or synthetic bone graft) maybe placed in the passage or passages to facilitate spinal fusion.

In some embodiments, passages 60, 64 may be positioned at locations topromote overall strength of implant 40. In some embodiments, rib 66 mayseparate a first passage 60 from a second passage 60 and/or a firstpassage 64 from a second passage 64. Rib 66 may provide strength toimplant 40 such that a shape of the implant is maintained under pressureexerted by spinal compression. In an embodiment, a single-member implantformed from PEEK may include at least one supporting rib 66. In someembodiments, the use of rib 66 with proper placement of passages 60, 64may allow the use of virgin PEEK, as opposed to PEEK that includescarbon fiber or other type of reinforcement material.

In some cases, X-rays may be used to monitor spinal fusion in a patient.Some implant embodiments (e.g., PEEK implants) are substantiallytransparent to X-rays. X-ray detection of implant 40 formed of X-raytransparent material may be facilitated by including X-ray sensitivematerial in the implant. FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional representationof single-member implant 40 with openings 68 for X-ray sensitivematerial. For example, tantalum wire (e.g., 1 mm in length) may beinserted into one or more openings 68 of implant 40 before implantation.In some embodiments, X-ray sensitive material may be located near ananterior end of the implant adjacent to a caudal (or, cephalic) surfaceof the implant. X-ray sensitive material may also be located near aposterior end of the implant adjacent to a cephalic (or caudal) surfaceof the implant. The use of X-ray sensitive material nearanterior/posterior and caudal/cephalic surfaces may allow the positionof an implant to be visualized using X-ray imaging.

Bone growth that fuses vertebrae together through an implant may bemonitored subsequent to an implant insertion procedure. Bone growth inan implant that is not X-ray transparent (e.g., a metallic implant) maybe monitored utilizing passages 64. Passages 64 may allow passage ofX-rays through the implant so that an X-ray image taken indicates thepresence, absence, and/or density of bone in passages of the implant.

A member of an implant may be formed using computer numerical control(CNC) processing equipment. An outer surface of material that is to beformed into a member may be processed to form the general plan viewshape of the implant. In some embodiments, sides of the material may beprocessed so that channels are formed in the implant when the membersare joined together. Channels may be used by certain types of implantinserters. In other embodiments, implants may not include channels. Amale joint and/or a female joint may be formed in the member. An openingfor a fastener may be formed in the member. Separately forming theimplant members may minimize loss of bone should one of the membersbreak or fracture during processing, or should an error occur in theprocessing instructions supplied to the processing equipment. In someembodiments, pieces of material may be joined together prior to shapingthe material to forum a desired implant shape.

For an implant embodiment that includes a rotational dovetail joint, themembers may be joined together by placing a male joint in a female jointand rotating the members after formation of each member of an implant. Afastener may be press fit into the implant after the members are joinedtogether. In other embodiments, a fastening system other than a pressfit fastener may be used to join the members together. For example, themembers may be joined together using, a screw, snap lock connector,barbed connector, and/or adhesive. The adhesive may be, but is notlimited to, a cyanoacrylate, a dental resin cement, an epoxy-basedcompound, a glass ionomer cement, polymethyl methacrylate, and/orinorganic bonding agents such as zinc carboxylate, zinc phosphate,magnesium phosphate, or other phosphate-based cements.

A resulting implant may be further processed to produce an implanthaving a desired shape. In some embodiments, a surface or surfaces ofthe implant that will contact bone may be angled so that the implantwill establish a desired orientation between bone pieces that are to befused together (i.e., a proper lordotic angle). Implants may be formedwith different lordotic angles. As shown in FIGS. 5-11, angles betweenvertebrae contacting surfaces resulting from different heights atanterior ends 70 and posterior ends 72 may range from about 0° (i.e.,the implant has substantially parallel vertebrae contact surfaces) toangles of about 20°. The angle may typically range from about 0° toabout 6°. Lordotic angle A is depicted in FIG. 8.

In some embodiments, serrations may be formed in surfaces of the implantthat will contact bone. In some embodiments, end surfaces of the implantmay be machined. For example, tapered and/or arced surfaces may beformed in the implant at an insertion end of the implant. In otherembodiments, all processing of the members may be done prior to joiningmembers together so that the implant is fully formed when the membersare joined together.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict front views of embodiments of implants 40. Implant40 may include serrations or ridges 48. As shown in FIG. 9, serrations48 may have substantially constant heights and frequency along a lengthof implant 40. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, serrations 48 mayhave varying heights and/or varying frequency along a length of theimplant. Heights of the serrations may decrease as the serrationsapproach posterior end 72 of implant 40. Frequency of the serrations mayincrease as the serrations approach posterior end 72 of implant 40.Other height and/or frequency patterns may also be used. Serrations 48may be oriented to inhibit backout of implant 40 after the implant isinserted between bone segments or vertebrae.

FIG. 11 depicts a front view of an embodiment of implant 40 withserrations 48. Implant 40 may include members 42′, 42″. As shown in FIG.11, member 42′ may include protrusion 73. Member 42″ may include recess75. Recess 75 may be complementary to protrusion 73. Recess 75 andprotrusion 73 may fit together to align members 42′, 42″ of implant 40.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of animplant. The implant of FIG. 12 includes two implant members 42 that arejoined together by two fasteners 44. Each implant member 42 may includefirst portion 74 that is recessed relative to second portion 76. A firstportion and a second portion of a first implant member may becomplementary to a second portion and a first portion of a secondimplant member so that the first member and the second member form animplant when joined together. Second portion 76 of a first implantmember may fit in first portion 74 of a second implant member,simplifying formation processes used to form the implant members.Simplified formation processes may result in less bone loss due tobreakage, fracturing, and/or incorrect cutting, during formation of theimplant members.

First portions 74 and second portions 76 of implant members 42 may bekeyed to facilitate proper positioning and/or alignment of openings 58in the implant members. For example, one implant member may includekeyway 78 and an opposite implant member may include a key that fitswithin the keyway to properly align the implant members relative to eachother. In some embodiments, the implant members may not be keyed. If theimplant members are not keyed, and if a separation between firstportions and second portions of the implant members is formedsubstantially midway along lengths of the implant members, then theimplant members may advantageously be substantially identical to eachother. The use of substantially identical implant members may eliminatethe need to form two or more different types of implant members (e.g.,male and female). Substantially identical implant members may simplifyformation and processing costs and eliminate the need to have multipletypes of implant members.

Openings 58 may be formed in implant members 42 so that the openings aresubstantially normal to interface surfaces of the implant that abut orare adjacent to each other when the implant is assembled. Openings thatare substantially normal to interface surfaces between implant membersmay be easier to form in the implant members and may inhibit fracturingof implant members during formation of the openings. In someembodiments, openings may be formed at angles other than right anglesrelative to interface surfaces between implant members.

FIG. 13 depicts an exploded view of three implant members 42 that may bejoined to form an implant. In other embodiments, four or more implantmembers may be joined together to form an implant. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 13, each implant member includes first portions 74 andsecond portions 76. First portions 74 and second portions 76 of implantmembers 42 are complementary, so that the implant members may be joinedtogether to form an implant. In some embodiments, implant members 42 maybe keyed to facilitate proper positioning of the implant membersrelative to each other before fasteners 44 are used to join the implantmembers together. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, outer implantmembers 42 a include keyways 78, and interior implant member 42 bincludes keys 80 that are positionable in the keyways. In otherembodiments, the implant members may not be keyed.

Outer implant members 42 a may be formed such that the shapes of theouter members are substantially identical. In some embodiments, heightsof outer implant members 42 a may be different. Complementary stepsbetween a first portion and a second portion may allow implant memberinterfaces to abut when the implant members are joined together.Substantially identically shaped outer implant members 42 a may simplifyimplant formation and processing costs, and may eliminate the need tohave more than one type of outer implant member. Substantiallyidentically shaped outer implant members 42 a may minimize the number ofdifferent types of interior implant member 42 b needed to form implantsfrom multiple implant members. In some embodiments, outer implantmembers 42 a may be formed with substantially identical heights, andseveral interior implant members of different heights may be formed toallow implants of desired heights to be formed from available bone. Insome situations, condition and size of available bone may determine theshape and height of implant members that may be formed.

Implant members 42 may include openings 58. In some implant members 42,an opening may be a blind opening. Openings 58 may be formedsubstantially normal to interface surfaces that abut or are adjacent toanother implant member when the implant is assembled. In someembodiments, openings may be angled relative to interface surfaces thatabut or are adjacent to another implant member when the implant isassembled.

As shown in FIG. 1, anterior end 70 of implant 40 may include taperedand/or curved surfaces. The tapered and/or curved surfaces mayfacilitate insertion of implant 40 into a disc space. As shown in FIGS.8-11, anterior end 70 of implant 40 may be blunt and/or rounded.Posterior end 72 of implant 40 may have a flat surface. A tamp or otherinsertion instrument may be placed against posterior end 72 duringinsertion of implant 40 into a disc space using a posterior insertionprocedure. In some embodiments, an anterior end may not be taperedand/or curved. The posterior end may be engraved or otherwise markedwith indicia to indicate the location of the posterior end and toidentify the size and orientation of the part.

Estimated implant heights and estimated amounts of lordotic adjustmentmay be determined prior to an implant insertion procedure. X-ray andother imaging techniques may be used to estimate heights of implants anddesired amounts of lordotic adjustment needed for a particular patient.Implants that will provide the estimated height and lordotic alignmentmay be provided with an instrumentation set for the implant insertionprocedure. Also, implants having greater and lesser heights and/orlordotic adjustment may be provided with the instrumentation set in caseconditions during surgery indicate that different implants should beused.

An implant may advantageously be formed of a number of pieces of bone.Using a number of bone pieces may allow for the formation of a strongbone implant of a height that cannot be formed using available bone.Using a number of bone pieces may allow for efficient use of availablebone.

In some embodiments, an implant may advantageously include a rotationaljoint that connects pieces of the implant together. The pieces of theimplant may be formed separately to minimize potential bone loss shoulda problem develop during bone processing. The bone pieces may be coupledtogether using one or more rotational joints. Each rotational joint maycouple two bone pieces together to inhibit separation of the bone piecesand/or lateral displacement of the bone pieces relative to each other.

In some embodiments, an implant may advantageously include a singleraised portion and a single recessed portion. Using a single raisedportion and a single recessed portion may simplify formation proceduresneeded to produce implant members. In some embodiments, implant membersmay be keyed to facilitate proper positioning of the implant membersrelative to each other.

A fastener or fasteners may be used to inhibit rotational movement ofimplant members relative to each other after the implant members arecoupled to each other. One or more fasteners may also be used to holdimplant members together if a rotational joint is not used. Openings inimplant members may be formed substantially normal to an interfacebetween the implant members. The openings may have short lengths and mayminimally influence the strength of the implant members as compared toslanted openings in implant members. In some implant embodiments,openings may be blind openings. In other implant embodiments, an openingfor a fastener may go completely through all implant members that formthe implant.

In some implant embodiments, implants may advantageously be shaped to adesired form after an implant is assembled from implant members. Inother embodiments, implant members may be shaped to a desired formbefore joining the implant members together. Texturing and/or serrationsor ridges may be formed on surfaces of the implant members that willcontact bone to inhibit backout of the implant when the implant isinserted into a patient. In some embodiments, implants may be processedso that posterior sides of the implants have different heights thananterior sides of the implants. Other dimensional characteristics of animplant may also be adjusted to produce an implant having a desiredgeometry. Further advantages of implants may include that the implantsare sturdy, durable, lightweight, simple, efficient, reliable andinexpensive; yet the implants may also be easy to manufacture, install,and use.

An instrumentation set may include instruments that are to be used toinsert an implant within a space between two bones of a patient during abone fusion procedure. The instrumentation set may also include implantsthat are to be inserted into the patient. Instruments used during a bonefusion procedure may allow a significant portion of positioning andmanipulation to be affected from above an incision in a patient. Theinstruments may allow for insertion of an implant in a simple,efficient, and safe manner. In an embodiment, an implant may be insertedin a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. In other embodiments, animplant may be inserted in a space formed between two portions of a boneto extend the length of the bone. The instruments may allow for arelatively small incision in the patient, yet still allow amplevisibility of surgical site, implant, and instruments during theinsertion procedure.

An instrumentation set for a spinal implant insertion procedure mayinclude various instruments for distraction, disc preparation, andimplantation. The distraction instruments may include fixed tipdistractors and/or modular tip distractors. Disc preparation instrumentsmay include, but are not limited to, disc shavers, curettes, rongeurs,chisels, and/or retractors. Implantation instruments may include implantinserters, mallets, tamps, and/or funnels.

During implant insertion, a disc space may be too small to allow forinsertion of an implant. Distraction of the vertebrae to a distanceslightly less than a height of the implant may facilitate insertion ofthe disc preparation instruments. FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of fixedtip distractor 100. Distractor 100 may include tip 102, shaft 104, andremovable handle 106. Tip 102 may be fixed to shaft 104. Shaft 104 mayinclude an indention that mates with a detent of handle 106. Handle 106may include release 108. Moving release 108 upwards may remove a forceapplied to the detent and allow handle 106 to be removed from shaft 104.In some embodiments, the shaft may include a release and a detent, andthe handle may include an indention that couples to the detent. Othertypes of coupling systems for the handle may also be used. In someembodiments, the handle may be fixed to the shaft. Shaft 104 may includeindicia 110 that indicate insertion depth of tip 102 into a disc space.

A distal region of tip 102 may have a cross-sectional shapecharacterized by a narrow portion and a wide portion. The narrow portionand the wide portion may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Afirst surface and a second surface of the tip may define the narrowportion. The first surface may taper towards the second surface so thatthe tip has a varying narrow dimension. In some embodiments, the secondsurface may also taper towards the first surface. The narrowest portionof the tip may be located distal from a portion of the tip that a shaftof the distractor connects to.

A third surface and a fourth surface of the tip may define the wideportion of the tip. The wide portion may be substantially constant alonga length of the tip. The wide portion may be the desired separationdistance to be established by the distractor between adjacent vertebrae.Edges of the tip between the first surface and the third surface, andbetween the first surface and the fourth surface, may be rounded tofacilitate rotation of the tip when the tip is inserted betweenvertebrae. Edges of the tip between the second surface and the thirdsurface, and between the second surface and the fourth surface, may alsobe rounded to facilitate rotation of the tip when the tip is insertedbetween vertebrae.

Handle 106 may be a “T” shaped handle. When handle 106 is attached toshaft 104, the handle may be substantially parallel to the widedimension of tip 102. Handle 106 may be oriented perpendicular to apatient's spinal column. A narrow portion of tip 102 may be insertedinto a disc space formed by a discectomy. Handle 106 may be rotatedapproximately 90° so that the handle is aligned with the spinal column.When handle 106 is aligned with the spinal column, the wide portion ofthe tip may establish a desired separation distance between vertebrae.Handle 106 may be removed from shaft 104 after the vertebrae aredistracted.

In an embodiment, a distractor may be a modular tip distractor. FIG. 15depicts an embodiment of assembled modular tip distractor 200. Modulartip distractor 200 may include modular tip 202, shaft 204, and handle106. FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of modular tip 202. Modular tip 202may include opening 206 that accepts an end of shaft 204. In someembodiments, opening 206 may have an oval cross-sectional shape thatallows for rotation of the tip when a shaft having a substantiallycomplementary shape is inserted into the opening. In some embodiments,opening 206 may have a square, rectangular, hexagonal or othernon-circular cross-sectional shape that allows for rotation of the tipwhen a shaft having a substantially complementary shape is inserted intothe opening. Handle 106 may be attached and released from shaft 204 inthe same manner as described above for the fixed tip distractors. Insome embodiments, handle 106 may be affixed to shaft 204.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show portions of shaft 204. Shaft 204 may include innershaft 208 and outer shaft 210. Outer shaft 210 may include indicia 212that indicate insertion depth of a modular tip coupled to shaft 204 intoa disc space. Portion 214 of outer shaft 210 may have a cross-sectionalshape that is substantially the same as, but slightly smaller than theshape of an oval opening in a modular tip. End 216 of inner shaft 208may have the same cross-sectional shape as outer shaft portion 214.Inner shaft end 216 may be a collar that is coupled to cylindrical innershaft 208. A modular tip may be coupled to outer shaft portion 214 wheninner shaft end 216 is aligned with outer shaft portion 214 as depictedin FIG. 18. When inner shaft end 216 is aligned with outer shaft portion214, the inner shaft end may be inserted through the oval opening in themodular tip into cavity 217 (shown in FIG. 16) in the modular tip. Innershaft end 216 may be aligned with outer shaft portion 214 by rotation ofgripping member 218 (shown in FIG. 15). When gripping member 218 isreleased, the gripping member may move to an initial position and rotateinner shaft 208 so that inner shaft end 216 rotates to a position thatinhibits removal of the modular tip from outer shaft portion 214. Whengripping member 218 is released, inner shaft end 216 may be in aposition similar to the position indicated in FIG. 17.

Gripping member 218 may include an internal spring attached to innershaft 208. The spring may bias inner shaft end 216 to the position shownin FIG. 17 when gripping member 218 is released. The spring may be atorsion or coil spring positioned around inner shaft 208. The spring maybe attached to gripping member 218, rotated one or more turns, andattached to inner shaft 208. When a user grasps gripping member 218 androtates the gripping member, inner shaft 208 may be rotated so thatinner shaft end 216 is in the position shown in FIG. 18. When in thisposition, shaft 204 may be removed from the modular tip. Releasinggripping member 218 allows the spring to return inner shaft end 216 toan initial position, as shown in FIG. 17.

During a spinal fusion procedure, properly sized modular tip 202 may becoupled to shaft 204. Handle 106 may be attached to shaft 204 to formmodular tip distractor 200, as shown in FIG. 15. A narrow portion ofmodular tip 202 may be inserted into a disc space. FIG. 19 shows arepresentation of modular tip distractor 200 positioned in disc space220 prior to distraction of vertebrae 222. Handle 106 may be orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the spinal column. Handle 106 may berotated to rotate modular tip 202 so that the modular tip establishes adesired separation distance between vertebrae. FIG. 20 shows arepresentation of modular tip distractor 200 positioned in disc space220 after distraction of vertebrae 222 to a desired separation distance.After tip 202 establishes the desired separation distance betweenvertebrae 222, gripping member 218 may be rotated so that shaft 204 isremovable from modular tip 202. FIG. 21 depicts a representation ofmodular, tip 202 left within disc space 220. Leaving modular tip 202 indisc space 220 without a shaft may decrease a chance of inadvertentlychanging the position of vertebrae 222 by accidentally moving orcontacting the shaft. Keeping the modular shaft out of the disc spaceallows disc preparation and insertion instruments to be placed moreeasily on the side opposite of the distraction. When desired, shaft 204may be reinserted into modular tip 202. Handle 106 may be rotated torotate modular tip 202 so that the modular tip may be easily removedfrom the patient.

In some embodiments, a shaft of a modular tip distractor may be coupledto the tip by threading. The threading may allow the tip to be rotatedwhen the tip is positioned between vertebrae in a first direction (e.g.,clockwise) to establish a desired separation distance between thevertebrae. The shaft may be rotated in a second direction (e.g.,counterclockwise) to allow removal of the tip from the shaft. Whendesired, the shaft may be threaded to the tip again to allow for removalof the tip from between the vertebrae.

In some embodiments, a tip of a modular tip distractor may include akeyway. A shaft of the modular tip distractor may include a protrusionor protrusions that engage surfaces of the tip defining the keyway.Positioning the shaft in the keyway of the tip may couple the shaft tothe modular tip so that the tip can be rotated between vertebrae toestablish a desired separation distance between the vertebrae. The shaftmay be removed from the keyway to leave the tip positioned between thevertebrae. When desired, the shaft may be reinserted into the tip toallow for removal of the tip from between the vertebrae.

Disc preparation instruments may include chisel 300 for preparing a discfor an implant. FIGS. 22 and 23 depict perspective views of chiselembodiments. Chisel 300 may include guide 302, inner shaft 304, outershaft 306, blade assembly 307, blades 308, blade base 309, and handle310.

Guide 302 may establish a separation distance between vertebrae. An endof guide 302 may be rounded or tapered to facilitate insertion ofportions of chisel 300 in a disc space. Guide 302 may be coupled toinner shaft 304. Inner shaft 304 may be telescopically positioned withinouter shaft 306. Outer shaft 306 may be attached to blades 308 at afirst end and to handle 310 at a second end. Indicator 312 may becoupled to inner shaft 304 in handle 310 of chisel 300. Indicator 312may inhibit inner shaft 304 from being removed from outer shaft 306 andhandle 310. Indicator 312 and proximal indicia 316 on handle 310 may beused to determine an insertion depth of blades 308 into a disc space.

As depicted in FIG. 22, indicator 312 may extend beyond a surface ofhandle 310. Extended indicator 312 may be used to easily move guide 302relative to blades 308. The ability to move guide 302 relative to blades308 may aid in cleaning chisel 300.

In some embodiments, guide 302 is removably attachable to inner shaft304. Having removably attachable guide 302 may aid in cleaning chisel300. In some embodiments, blade assembly 307 may include blades 308coupled to blade base 309. Blade base 309 may be threaded onto outershaft 306. In other embodiments, other types of fastening systems may beused to join the chisel blades to the outer shaft. Replaceable (modular)blades 308 or blade assemblies 307 may reduce manufacturing costs for acomplete set of chisels and allow for easier cleaning.

Blades 308 may cut channels in bone for an implant. Blades 308 or bladebase 309 may include distal indicia 314 that indicate depth of thechisel blades in a disc space. In some embodiments, distal indicia 314on blades 308 include numerical indicia etched into surfaces of theblade. In some embodiments, blades 308 are colored a first color to amaximum safe insertion depth, and a second distinct color above thefirst color. For example, blades 308 may be colored gold from a distalend to the maximum safe insertion depth, and may be colored silver abovethe maximum depth. During use, if a user can see the first color, theuser will know that the chisel is not inserted into the disc spacebeyond a safe depth. Chisel 300 may also have other types of depthindicators.

Handle 310 may include proximal indicia 316, release button 318, shaftpassage 320, opening 322, rod 324, and strike surface 326. Proximalindicia 316 may be numerical markings on handle 310. The numericalmarkings relative to indicator 312 may indicate a depth of distal endsof blades 308 relative to a proximal end of guide 302 in a particularmeasurement unit. In an embodiment, the markings indicate millimeters ofinsertion. When guide 302 is inserted into a disc space, blades 308 maycontact bone with indicator 312 at a nonzero marking. For example,indicator 312 may be at a marking of 3 when blades 308 contactvertebrae. The initial indicator marking may be noted, and a simpledifference calculation may be used to determine the depth of insertionas the chisel blades are inserted into the disc space. For example, ifthe initial location of indicator 312 is adjacent to marking 3, and boneis cut away until the indicator is adjacent to marking 15, then blades308 have been inserted into the disc space 12 units. In someembodiments, a range of motion of blades 308 relative to guide 302 islimited to about 30 mm. In other embodiments, smaller or larger rangesof motion may be allowed.

When release button 318 is pushed, blade assembly 307, blades 308, bladebase 309, outer shaft 306, and handle 310 may be able to move relativeto guide 302 and inner shaft 304. Inner shaft 304 may include anindention that mates with a detent of the handle. The detent may bepositioned in the indention to fix the position of inner shaft 304relative to handle 310 when guide 302 is extended away from blades 308.FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of chisel 300 when the position of innershaft 304 is fixed relative to the position of handle 310. Guide 302 maybe inserted into a disc space to establish a separation distance betweenvertebrae when the position of inner shaft 304 is fixed relative to theposition of handle 310. Pushing button 318 releases blades 308 so thatthe blades may be used to simultaneously form channels in adjacent bone.

Shaft passage 320 in handle 310 provides room for movement of innershaft 304. Shaft passage 320 is shown in FIG. 22 in opening 322. Opening322 may be provided to reduce weight of chisel 300.

Rod 324 may be placed in a top portion of handle 310. Rod 324 may beplaced in slots in walls of handle 310. Spring 328 may be positionedbeneath rod 324. Rod 324 may be an engagement pin for a slap hammer orother instrument used to remove chisel 300 from a disc space. Spring 328may limit downward application of force by the slap hammer or otherinstrument to chisel 300. Spring 328 may also help to hold the slaphammer or other instrument on chisel 300.

Handle 310 may include strike surface 326. A mallet or other forceinstrument may be impacted against strike surface 326 to drive blades308 so that the blades remove bone material and/or cartilage and formchannels in adjacent vertebral end plates.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show only one side of handle 310 and blades 308 ofchisel 300. In some embodiments, proximal indicia 316 and distal indicia314 may only be formed on one side of chisel 300. In other embodimentsproximal indicia 316 and distal indicia 314 may be formed on oppositesides of chisel 300, and indicators 312 may extend outwards from twosides of inner shaft 304.

FIG. 24 shows a detailed view of a portion of an embodiment of chisel300. As shown in the inset view, blade 308 extends beyond an outersurface of guide 302. Blades that are able to cut various channel depthsin adjacent bones may be provided in an instrumentation set. The depthof cut into a bone may be from about 0.001 mm to about 5 mm.

To use chisel 300, proper guides 302 and blades 308 or blade assembly307 are coupled to outer shaft 306. Inner shaft 304 is positioned withinchisel 300 so that the inner shaft is inhibited from moving relative tohandle 310. Guide 302 is then placed in a disc space and impacted to adesired depth. Button 318 is pushed to release handle 310 and blades 308relative to guide 302. The initial position of indicator 312 relative toproximal indicia 316 may be noted when the blades 308 first contactvertebrae. Handle 310 may be impacted to drive blades 308 into thevertebrae. Depth of the blades 308 in the vertebrae may be determined bysubtracting a position of indicator 312 at a cutting depth from theinitial position of the indicator. When a desired depth is obtained, aslap hammer may be attached to rod 324. The slap hammer may be used toremove chisel 300 from the disc space.

FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of slap hammer 400 that may be used with achisel or other instrument. Slot 402 of end 404 may engage a rod in ahandle of the chisel. A spring in the handle of the chisel may becompressed when the end is inserted into the handle. Slap hammer 400 maybe rotated to engage the rod in the horizontal portion of slot 402.Slide 406 of slap hammer 400 may be grasped and repeatedly moved againststop 408 to provide an impulse force to remove the chisel from the discspace. After removing the chisel from the disc space, slap hammer 400may be removed from the chisel.

An implant inserter may be used to place an implant in a disc space. Insome embodiments, the implant inserter may grasp side surfaces of animplant. Many implant inserters include an end that engages an openingin an end surface of an implant. Forming an opening in an end of animplant may weaken the compressive load handling ability of the implant.In some implant embodiments formed of bone, forming an opening in thebone implant and/or attaching the implant to the inserter may result inbreakage or fracturing of the implant. The ability to grasp a sidesurface of an implant may allow the implant to have a solid end. Havinga solid end may strengthen the implant and inhibit the need to applyforces to the implant that may break or fracture the implant. Also, theuse of an implant inserter that grasps side surfaces of the implant mayavoid application of rotational forces to the implant when the implantinserter is removed from the implant.

FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of implant inserter 500 that places animplant in a prepared disc space. Inserter 500 may include first member502, second member 504, linking pins 506, locking member 508, pin 510,arms 512, and strike surface 514. First member 502 and second member 504may include openings 516. Openings 516 may reduce the weight of inserter500. Linking pins 506 positioned in holes 518 in first member 502 andslots of second member 504 allow for lateral adjustment of position ofthe second member relative to the first member. A threaded shaft may becoupled to first member 502 and extend through second member 504.Locking member 508 may be threaded to the threaded shaft. Locking member508 may be affixed to the threaded shaft to inhibit inserter 500 frombeing disassembled after assembly. Springs that bias first member 502away from second member 504 may be placed between the first member andthe second member before locking member 508 is attached to the threadedshaft.

Clockwise rotation of locking member 508 may force second member 504towards first member 502. Arms 512 of inserter 500 may grasp grooves ofan implant positioned between the arms (e.g., side grooves 46 of implant40 depicted in FIG. 1). Arms 512 may be roughened, grooved, knurled,shot peened, or otherwise textured to promote good contact between theimplant and arms 512. Counterclockwise rotation of locking member 508may allow springs between first member 502 and second member 504 toforce the first member away from the second member and widen a distancebetween arms 512 so that an implant positioned between the arms may bereleased from the arms. In other embodiments, threading of the threadedshaft and locking member may be reversed so that clockwise rotation ofthe compression member allows the first member to move away from thesecond member.

Pin 510 may be secured to one arm and slidably positioned in an openingof the other arm. Pin 510 may inhibit arms 512 from separating duringimplant insertion if implant inserter 500 is twisted during insertion ofthe implant. Pin 510 may be made of a material that resists galling.

Implant inserter 500 may include strike surface 514. A mallet or otherimpact tool may hit strike surface 514 during insertion of an implant.Strike surface 514 may be located substantially directly over an implantpositioned between arms 512 to apply a force distributed evenly acrossthe implant surface.

Indicia 520 may be placed on inserter arms 512. Indicia 520 may be usedto estimate an insertion depth of an implant in a disc space.

FIG. 27 shows another embodiment of implant inserter 500. Implantinserter 500 may advantageously have a low profile. A low profile allowsa surgeon to see an insertion site during a bone fusion procedure.Implant inserter 500 may include outer shaft 524. Upper portions of arms512 of implant inserter 500 may be tapered so that portions of the armsthat grasp an implant are wider than other portions of the arms. Whenlocking member 508 is rotated clockwise, the locking member drives outershaft 524 towards implant 40 positioned between arms 512. An end ofouter shaft 524 contacts wide sections of arms 512 so that a force isapplied to the arms to securely hold the implant. Rotation of lockingmember 508 in an opposite direction releases outer shaft 524 and allowsarms 512 to spread back to a separated position to release the implant.

An implant may be installed using a minimally invasive procedure. Aminimally invasive procedure may result in faster recovery and/orminimal scarring of the patient. In some embodiments, a port may beinserted into a patient to provide access to vertebrae that are to befused together. Instruments (e.g., distractors, chisels, and implantinserters) may be inserted into the port during an implant insertionprocedure.

To fuse two vertebra together using implants, the implants may be formedof members that are joined together to form the implant. Portions ofbone and/or other material may be used as material for the members. Themembers may include rotational joints that allow the members to bejoined together and inhibit axial movement of the members relative toeach other. The members may be pinned together or otherwise joinedtogether to inhibit rotation of the members relative to each other. Theresulting implant may be provided with a desired lordotic alignmentand/or texturing that inhibits backout of an implant from a disc space.If the implant is formed of bone, the implant members may be processedin a freeze-dried state. Before insertion into a patient, the implantmay be reconstituted by soaking the implant in an aqueous solution.

After, or simultaneously with, reconstitution of the implant, a discspace for the implant may be formed in a patient. In a posteriorprocedure, an incision may be made and portions of a spinous process maybe removed to provide access to the disc. The spinal cord or caudaequina may be retracted.

A discectomy may be performed to remove disc material from a first sideof a disc and form a first disc space. A distractor may be positioned inthe first disc space to establish a separation distance between thevertebrae. In an embodiment, the distractor is a modular tip distractor,and the distractor tip is left in the first disc space while the shaftof the distractor is removed. A discectomy may be performed on a secondside of the disc to form a second disc space. A chisel may be used toremove portions of vertebral bone and form channels in the vertebral endplates adjacent to the second disc space. Removing bone portions maypromote bone growth that couples an implant inserted in the disc spaceto the vertebrae. Osteophytes may be removed to make insertion of theimplant easier. A first implant may be attached to an implant inserter.The first implant may be impacted into the prepared disc space on thesecond side of the disc. The first implant may be an implant with ablunt anterior end, such as an implant depicted in FIGS. 8-11. The firstimplant may be released from the inserter. The distractor may be removedfrom the first side of the disc. Vertebral bone adjacent to the firstdisc space may be removed using a chisel to form channels in vertebralbone. Packing material may be packed in a space around the firstimplant. In an embodiment, packing material may be cancellous bone,synthetic bone, or other bone graft material. A second implant may beinserted on the first side of the disc using an implant inserter. Thesecond implant may be an implant with a tapered anterior end, such as animplant depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6. Insertion of the secondimplant may force the packing material between the second implant andthe first implant and/or between the second implant and remaining disc.

In this patent, certain U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, andother materials (e.g., articles) have been incorporated by reference.The text of such U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, and othermaterials is, however, only incorporated by reference to the extent thatno conflict exists between such text and the other statements anddrawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, then any suchconflicting text in such incorporated by reference U.S. patents, U.S.patent applications, and other materials is specifically notincorporated by reference in this patent.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to beunderstood that the forms of the invention shown and described hereinare to be taken as examples of embodiments. Elements and materials maybe substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts andprocesses may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may beutilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in theart after having the benefit of this description of the invention.Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the followingclaims.

1. A method, comprising: inserting a modular tip of a distractor in a first disc space between two vertebrae; rotating the modular tip in the first disc space to establish a separation distance between the two vertebrae; decoupling the modular tip from a shaft of the distractor, leaving the modular tip in the first disc space; inserting a first implant in a second disc space between the two vertebrae; recoupling the shaft to the modular tip; removing the distractor from the first disc space; packing bone graft material in a space proximate the first implant; and inserting a second implant in the first disc space between the two vertebrae.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the bone graft material comprises cancellous bone.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second implant comprises a tapered anterior end to facilitate insertion between the two vertebrae.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein inserting the second implant forces the bone graft material between the second implant and the first implant.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein inserting the second implant forces the bone graft material between the second implant and remaining disc.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of removing portions of spinous process prior to inserting the first implant.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of removing osteophytes prior to inserting the first implant.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of distracting the distance between the two vertebrae.
 9. A method, comprising: positioning a modular tip of a distractor in a first disc space between two vertebrae; rotating the modular tip in the first disc space to establish a separation distance between the two vertebrae; decoupling the modular tip from a shaft of the distractor, leaving the modular tip in the first disc space; removing portions of bone proximate a second disc space; coupling a first implant to a first implant inserter; positioning the first implant in the second disc space; releasing the first implant from the first implant inserter; recoupling the shaft to the modular tip; and removing the distractor from the first disc space.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: removing portions of bone proximate the first disc space; coupling a second implant to a second implant inserter; positioning the second implant in the first disc space; and releasing the second implant from the second implant inserter.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: removing portions of bone proximate the first disc space; packing bone graft material in a space proximate the first implant; coupling a second implant to a second implant inserter; positioning the second implant in the first disc space; and releasing the second implant from the second implant inserter.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the bone graft material comprises cancellous bone.
 13. A method for stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae, comprising the steps of: making an incision near the posterior side of two adjacent vertebrae; removing disc material from a first side of a disc to form a first disc space; inserting a modular tip of a distractor in the first disc space; rotating the modular tip in the first disc space to establish a separation distance between the two adjacent vertebrae; decoupling the modular tip from a shaft of the distractor, leaving the modular tip in the first disc space; removing some portion of vertebral bone proximate the first disc space; attaching a first implant to an inserter; inserting the first implant in the first disc space with the inserter; releasing the first implant from the inserter; recoupling the shaft to the modular tip; removing the distractor from the first disc space; packing bone graft material proximate the first implant; removing disc material from a second side of the disc to form a second disc space; removing some portion of vertebral bone proximate the second disc space; attaching a second implant to the inserter; inserting the second implant in the second disc space with the inserter; releasing the second implant from the inserter; and packing bone graft material proximate the second implant.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the bone graft material comprises cancellous bone.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first implant and the second implant comprise a tapered anterior end to facilitate insertion between the two vertebrae.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein inserting the second implant forces the bone graft material between the second implant and the first implant.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein inserting the second implant forces the bone graft material between the second implant and remaining disc.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of removing portions of spinous process prior to inserting the first implant.
 19. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of removing osteophytes prior to inserting the first implant.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprising rotating the distractor to remove the modular tip from the first disc space. 